J9's Birthday FUNdraiser For The Villa Desiderata
Tax deductible
Where there is a need, we can bind together as a community to make a big impact with just a little contribution and that's exactly what I am hoping we can do for my birthday. Please join me in bringing huge encouragement to a community I deeply love.
For those of us who grew up at The Villa, we know what a special and rare place it is. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, let me tell you a little bit more about it.
The Villa Desiderata Retreat Center came into fruition, thanks to Eugene J. Lutz who was a Marine and a prisoner of war in World War II. He was brutally held captive, stripped down to nothing and starved with other POW's. He was a man who had ideas of a family and a good, simple life but when he was held captive, he prayed in desperation to God and promised his life would be dedicated to the service of His will in exchange for freedom from captivity. God delivered Him and Eugene made good on his promise. He became Fr. Lutz and would spend the rest of his life dedicated to the service of others. To [attempt to] keep the story of this amazing man as brief as possible, I will tell you that his focus became serving those with addictions in a way that I would consider to be pioneering. The Viatorian's sold the building (that is still used today for retreats) to a quiet group of donors who established a board and subsequently donated the purchase to the board for the purpose of furthering Fr. Lutz's mission so that he could serve these groups of men, women, and their families. Fr. Lutz has since passed away but this very small community of people still carry on his legacy by continuing to serve a community of people who may otherwise find no hope. Many retreatants end up at The Villa when there is absolutely nothing left to live for. There are many stories of recovering alcoholics and addicts being dragged in against their will only to leave transformed in a way they truly never believed to be possible. They cry in gratitude when they tell of how The Villa has saved their lives, their families from falling apart, and giving them a new belief in their worth. The Villa is an organization that stands in unconditional love on Faith in God, being the Hands and Feet of Jesus, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to change lives. ALL are welcome. No religious affiliation is necessary.
When any offering would be taken up, Fr. Lutz ALWAYS said - "The people will give what they can." He never wanted there to be pressure around money so as to discourage anyone from "coming home" to a place of peace: The Villa. So, I'm reaching out to ask for you to please give if you can.
I am raising money for The Villa because Covid has caused a drastic cut in cash flow due to the lack of retreats. The Villa is an incredibly humble and fiscally responsible organization. Any single dollar will be appreciated by them and will be automatically sent to them through this link when you donate.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering giving so that The Villa can continue changing lives for the better.
Here is a link to the Poem that Fr. Lutz named The Villa after. I'd consider it like The Villa's mission statement:
https://mwkworks.com/desiderata.html
Love,
Jeannine
More information about Villa Desiderata, Inc.: The exempt purpose is to facilitate retreats and meetings that provide guidance and instruction for daily living.
For those of us who grew up at The Villa, we know what a special and rare place it is. For those of you who are unfamiliar with it, let me tell you a little bit more about it.
The Villa Desiderata Retreat Center came into fruition, thanks to Eugene J. Lutz who was a Marine and a prisoner of war in World War II. He was brutally held captive, stripped down to nothing and starved with other POW's. He was a man who had ideas of a family and a good, simple life but when he was held captive, he prayed in desperation to God and promised his life would be dedicated to the service of His will in exchange for freedom from captivity. God delivered Him and Eugene made good on his promise. He became Fr. Lutz and would spend the rest of his life dedicated to the service of others. To [attempt to] keep the story of this amazing man as brief as possible, I will tell you that his focus became serving those with addictions in a way that I would consider to be pioneering. The Viatorian's sold the building (that is still used today for retreats) to a quiet group of donors who established a board and subsequently donated the purchase to the board for the purpose of furthering Fr. Lutz's mission so that he could serve these groups of men, women, and their families. Fr. Lutz has since passed away but this very small community of people still carry on his legacy by continuing to serve a community of people who may otherwise find no hope. Many retreatants end up at The Villa when there is absolutely nothing left to live for. There are many stories of recovering alcoholics and addicts being dragged in against their will only to leave transformed in a way they truly never believed to be possible. They cry in gratitude when they tell of how The Villa has saved their lives, their families from falling apart, and giving them a new belief in their worth. The Villa is an organization that stands in unconditional love on Faith in God, being the Hands and Feet of Jesus, and being empowered by the Holy Spirit to change lives. ALL are welcome. No religious affiliation is necessary.
When any offering would be taken up, Fr. Lutz ALWAYS said - "The people will give what they can." He never wanted there to be pressure around money so as to discourage anyone from "coming home" to a place of peace: The Villa. So, I'm reaching out to ask for you to please give if you can.
I am raising money for The Villa because Covid has caused a drastic cut in cash flow due to the lack of retreats. The Villa is an incredibly humble and fiscally responsible organization. Any single dollar will be appreciated by them and will be automatically sent to them through this link when you donate.
Thank you, from the bottom of my heart, for considering giving so that The Villa can continue changing lives for the better.
Here is a link to the Poem that Fr. Lutz named The Villa after. I'd consider it like The Villa's mission statement:
https://mwkworks.com/desiderata.html
Love,
Jeannine
More information about Villa Desiderata, Inc.: The exempt purpose is to facilitate retreats and meetings that provide guidance and instruction for daily living.
Organizer
Jeannine Graff
Organizer
Fox Lake, IL
Villa Desiderata, Inc.
Beneficiary